Work with us
As professional naturalists Dan and Rachael also work as scientific advisors and field naturalists for TV documentaries, educators for schools and prestigious organisations such as The Linnean Society and as consultants for conservation-focused ventures.
Do you have a project that we can help with? Scroll down to find out more.
Get in touch to discuss how we can benefit you!
TV & Film
From Sand Cats in Morocco and Polar Bears in Russia to Eagles in Scotland, Dan and Rachael use their vast experience to advise television and film production companies on nature-based documentaries.
They use their in-depth knowledge of species ecology and behaviour as well as their field skills to get you closer to the action and put you in the right place at the right time for capturing that ultimate moment.
Watch our most recent exploits on ‘Wild Isles’, the latest BBC documentary hosted by Sir David Attenborough, available on BBC iPlayer. This six-part mini series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer showcases astonishing world class wildlife drama from across the British Isles.
“As wildlife film-makers, the most important thing for us on location each day is knowing exactly where our target species are, and trying to predict what those creatures are going to do next. Rachael and Dan’s indepth knowledge of animal behaviour made them an invaluable asset to our crew, quickly helping to build up a detailed case file on our subjects. They helped turn Mission Impossible into a world-first behavioural sequence. I very much look forward to working together again.”
Services we can provide
Fresh ideas, stories & advice on building that world-class sequence
Pre-shoot wildlife research on location
On-shoot wildlife spotters to aid camera team in locating targets earlier and capturing the best behaviour
Site-specific ecological advice
Species-specific insights, advice and guidance for shoots.
Contact us to discuss your next project!
Engagement
We believe that connecting people with nature and the wider environment is pivotal to the long-term sustainability and protection of the planet. Dan and Rachael do what they can to enthuse and encourage people of all ages to take an active interest and holistic appreciation of nature. From school visits and guided walks to formal lectures and presentations, we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm.
We need to inspire, educate and empower young people to conserve and value biodiversity as a positive step towards mitigating the challenges of climate change, challenging land-use and embracing a much greener future.
Dan & Rachael work with The Linnean Society providing support and video content for their BioMedia Meltdown arts project aimed at P6.
School assemblies, discussions with action groups, personalised educational videos and presentations are just a few other ways that Dan and Rachael share their own knowledge and experiences with young people. Their relaxed approach gives their audience the chance to get to know them, grow in confidence to ask questions and to feel comfortable expressing their own opinions and enthusiasm.
If you think Wild Discovery could benefit your school or group then please drop us a line.
“Share knowledge, encourage an understanding, develop an appreciation and create ambassadors for a green future.”
If you’re interested in more formal lectures and presentations we would be happy to present to your club, group or society. Topics are as varied as our exploring; from Tibet to British Birding Experiences, Ethical Travel to the Russian Far East . We can also tailor lectures if you have a specific topic in mind. Please send us an email if you are interested in knowing more.
“Rachael and Dan have truly inspired the children (and staff) at Garnetbank primary in Glasgow. Their interactive assemblies, stunning photography and videos of jaw dropping wildlife encounters have helped connect the children’s learning for sustainability to the real world and to increase their appreciation of the natural environment. They have worked hard to build a sustained and positive relationship with the children, who have now adopted Rachael and Dan as their own nature experts and part of Team Garnetbank. We look forward to their continued support and collaboration with much gratitude.”
Consultancy
As professional ecologists we like to share our expertise with conservation-focused ventures helping them to maximise their capabilities. Our involvement ranges from strategy planning and creating associated detailed action plans, to on-ground biodiversity assessments and rewilding.
A couple of recent examples of where we have provided expertise are highlighted below.
If you think we may be able to benefit your project or organisation, then please do get in touch.
EcoGipps
“Dan and Rachael’s involvement was invaluable in the establishment of EcoGipps. They brought ideas and visions which contributed to its solid foundations.
They also collated and produced a very professional document for us, which we are successfully using to inform all potential stakeholders and partners, and for anyone who reads our website.
Thank you Dan and Rachael! ”
Despite the recent impacts of Covid-19 we were able to make a substantial contribution to an exciting new conservation, rewilding, research and engagement project in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.
With a 500-year vision this will be a flagship project in landscape-scale conservation whose strengths will lie in strong partnerships and collaborations. In these initial years the project focuses on identifying its key biodiversity values, such as Swift Parrots and Dingoes, and restoring habitats. The starting 1000 acres will serve as a nucleus from which a larger scale biodiversity corridor is planned, stretching from the Gippsland Plains to the peaks of the Avon Wilderness.
During our time with EcoGipps we were able to help shape the vision of the project and draw together a conservation, management and engagement strategy. This considers the current conservation programmes in-place in Victoria and aligns the vision of EcoGipps with wider, regional conservation priorities. There is a particular focus on the importance of refuge habitats unimpacted by fire, recognising and working closely with the Gunaikurnai traditional owners, and engaging the wider community.
To find out more about this ground breaking project download the strategy or visit their website www.ecogipps.com.au.
Inala
Inala is a unique reserve tucked away at the southern end of Bruny Island off southeast Tasmania.
Its isolation has made it a refuge for wildlife, a place where Pademelons and Wallabies abound, Eastern Quolls patrol the paddocks and bush after dark and critically endangered birds, including Forty-spotted Pardalote and Swift Parrot, can still be found breeding.
In 2019 we had the pleasure of creating an action plan for the newly established Inala Conservation Foundation which will help to provide a framework for protecting and enhancing the property and wildlife into the future. The project saw us draw in everything from financial management and the establishment of a friends group to species and habitat conservation, invasive species management and removal, and protection and sustainability into the future.
“We were fortunate to have Dan and Rachael as our consultants on an Action Plan for our Inala Conservation Foundation. They were passionate and knowledgeable and were able to get to the core of an issue to work out the best way forward. As a bonus they were lovely people and quickly became part of our Inala “family”.
I could not recommend them more highly.”